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ETNA GREEN - Alcohol is believed to have played a role in a pedestrian accident Tuesday night near Etna Green.
Thomas Patrick Finlon, 42, Old Road 30, Warsaw, was seriously injured when he was struck by a van on Old Road 30, 150 feet east of CR 300N. Police reported he was drinking heavily and was likely intoxicated at the time of the accident.
The driver of the van, Rebecca Spears, 40, Walter Way, Warsaw, told police she was driving east on Old Road 30 going out of Etna Green when she saw a person on the side of the road walking on the pavement. She said he then turned toward her and stuck out his hand.
Spears went to call for help at a residence near the scene of the accident. Spears was treated at Kosciusko Community Hospital for chest pain and released.
Finlon was taken to KCH and then airlifted to Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was listed in critical condition this morning with extensive injuries to his head, arms and legs.
Finlon was unconscious at the scene of the accident and was not able to give a statement to police.
Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department deputies reported Finlon had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. They believe he was walking home on Old Road 30, attempting to hitchhike. A full bottle of vodka was found on Finlon at the scene of the accident.
Later investigation at the Etna Pub in Etna Green revealed Finlon had been there before the accident.
A bartender told police a man identified as Finlon came into the tavern and appeared to fall asleep several times after ordering beer. The bartender also said Finlon purchased a bottle of vodka before leaving.
The bartender last saw Finlon "staggering" east on Old Road 30. He said he believed Finlon may have been intoxicated when he came into the bar.
